BHC VOLLEYBALL HOPES TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS IN ’14

The season at a glance –

The Black Hawk College Women’s volleyball team has great leadership that is focused on the growth and hard work of young athletes. Both players and coaches have a winning attitude and have committed a lot of time and effort to build a team that not only wants to win, but also to build a foundation for BHC Women’s Volleyball moving forward.

The Braves are members the NCJAA Arrowhead conference which has seven teams. The work and dedication to volleyball these students have starts with Head Coach Mary Davis. Coach Davis is in her 23rd year with the team. She has won one conference title since taking over the volleyball program in 1991. Coach Davis is hoping to earn a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament at the end of the season, which should be obtainable this season since national powerhouse Kishwaukee Community College does not have a team this year.

With Kishwaukee out of the fold, it should make the season more competitive for other schools on the verge of greatness — such as Black Hawk. Black Hawk College East is always a big rival and they are looking to achieve superiority against Black Hawk College Quad Cities this season. Coach Davis however, is not quick to dismiss other competition, like Carl Sandburg College and Sauk Valley Community College.

Coach Davis says her team is determined for great things this season and they can over-match opponents because they are an “extremely athletic” group. A big credit to Coach Davis’ success has been assistant coach Cindy Frazier. Coach Frazier is the only assistant to Coach Davis and is serving in her fifth season as an assistant coach. Coach Frazier has learned skills and leadership under Head Coach Davis because she played for Coach Davis here at BHC.

“My first year as a coach was the hardest,” said Coach Frazier, “but it is cool to be on the other end. To coach is to give an investment for the future.”

“Academics, Athletics, Social life” are words from Coach Frazier that sums up what the Braves volleyball team strives for throughout every season, although the team wants to win, grades still come first. Players must maintain at least twelve credit hours while enrolled and maintain a 2.0 grade point average to remain academically eligible.

The Braves record currently stands at 3-3. They are hoping to exceed the .500 mark for the first time this season. The Braves have recently had big wins versus Highland Community College (3-0) and versus Monmouth College (3-0).

Although the team is just .500 on the season, the Braves have had some key contributions. The team’s top libero, sophomore Rachel Wilson has played a crucial role. She currently ranks #22 in the nation in aces and only wants to climb the ladder of success. Wilson is excited about this season and is expecting to improve even more as the season progresses.

Wilson says she is striving to be nationally ranked in digs as well. She has the versatility to rotate different positions on the court and is referred to by Coach Davis as a “great game manager”. Wilson says she wants to be more than just competitive and states “I want to sweep every team we play.” Wilson is a top defender that can cause fits for an opposing offense.

Another big contributor for this team is freshman Claire Halverson. Halverson boosts a kill percentage of 62%. Coach Davis is very impressed by Halverson’s kill percentage, but what is more impressive is Halverson’s ability to shy away from errors. If the Braves can score more points while maintaining this great defense we should see some great things from the BHC volleyball team this season.

This hard working team seems to be phenomenal. If you combine this team’s work ethic with their skills and athleticism, it will make a good recipe for success. The team is looking to set an example for future teams at BHC and make volleyball a more than appealing destination for new recruits. BHC volleyball is aiming high this season and we shouldn’t be surprised if we see these ladies in the national spotlight soon.